First post here. Been living here since 2006. You can expect to pay around $885 for rent here. The unemployment rate is 0.9%, which is pretty low. Average temperature is around 46--F, so expect cold winters. The suburbs are where most families end up. Public transit needs a lot of work honestly. Honestly, I think it's a great place if you know where to look. There's a real sense of community in certain neighborhoods. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. It's not perfect, but the community is solid. The food scene here is surprisingly good. The weather takes some getting used to. Traffic can be rough during rush hour, no sugarcoating that. The parks and outdoor areas are a huge plus. People here are genuinely friendly, not just surface-level. The city has invested a lot in new development. Night life is decent if you know the right spots. The suburbs are where most families end up. There's a growing tech scene which is exciting.
13 upvotes
1 Replies
Gianna W.
OK I'm going to write a proper review because I've seen too many incomplete answers.
Background: I'm a teacher, 49, moved here 13 years ago from Minneapolis. I've lived in Fairview and Oak Park, and traveled to most parts of the metro.
**What I love:**
1. Strong job market in several industries
2. Lots of new development happening
3. Affordable housing options
4. The people are generally excellent - I found my community within the first year
**What I don't love:**
1. Road conditions need improvement
2. Limited shopping options
3. The weather situation is reasonable and doesn't seem to be improving
**Neighborhoods I'd recommend:**
- Fairview: Great for couples. surprisingly good vibes, walkable.
- Oak Park: More affordable, family-friendly.
**Neighborhoods I'd avoid:**
- Without naming names, stay away from areas east of downtown until you know the city better.
**Cost comparison:**
Coming from Minneapolis, everything felt decent. Rent is about /mo. Groceries are established. Gas is established. You can live comfortably on $40K-$70K here.
**Final verdict:**
Definitely worth checking out.. It's not perfect - nowhere is - but for the price point and quality of life, it's hard to beat. DM me if you have specific questions.
All Countries
